Santa on a Segway, Christmas trees and delights for all the family at Moors Valley (Nov 2013)

His visit, at 10am on 30 November, will mark the opening of the Forestry Commission Christmas Tree Shop.

People buying trees can choose between Norway Spruce, the traditional Christmas tree, or Nordman Firs, a non-drop variety with bold green needles, in sizes ranging from four to 10 feet. Customers buying trees on the opening day, 30 November, will also each receive a Christmas gift in the form of a 15% discount voucher towards the cost of a Go Ape Tree Top Adventure or a Segway session next year. And in recognition of Moors Valley’s 25^th anniversary, the 25^th tree purchaser will also be given a £60 voucher redeemable against a Segway session for two. Parking is free if you buy your tree at Moors Valley.

Alongside tree sales a host of special seasonal events will be talking place at Moors Valley in the run up to Christmas, so why not plan a festive day out for all the family?

Festive Fun Days for all ages are taking place from 11.30am to 4pm on 8 and 15 December. Just turn up and try your hand at a variety of Christmas crafts starting from just £1. You can make your day really memorable by taking a ride on the Santa Special train that is running on the Moors Valley Railway at 11am, noon, 2pm and 3pm on the same two days. The cost of £12.50 per person includes free parking, a gift and refreshments. Booking is essential on 01425 471415.

Craft Workshops

On Saturday 7 December, children over six can join a workshop to make their very own wooden reindeer for just £8 per child.  Other children’s workshops include making Christmas lanterns for those over the age of six, at £4.50 per child and Creative Clay Decorations at £4. Both run on 14 December.

Adults can join in the fun on 11 December. A morning Willow Workshop provides the opportunity to make stars, trees and mince pie platters, using ribbons, holly and ivy as decoration. Later that day the Deck the Halls Workshop uses a selection of greenery and natural materials to make pine cone swags, a wreath or table decorations to take home. Each workshop costs £16 which includes free parking, all tools and materials, light refreshments and a festive treat.

Booking is essential for all activities (apart from Festive Fun Days).

The ever-popular Christmas Market returns from 30 November – 15 December. All items are produced locally and range from jewellery, artwork and cakes to handmade chocolates and soap. It’s the ideal place to get some Christmas gifts.

For families looking to get active in the forest there’s also the opportunity to explore the Stick Man Trail. This self-led interactive family trail is based on author Julia Donaldson’s ‘Stick Man’ book and will be at Moors Valley until 23 February. Trail cards are available from the Visitor Centre between 9.30am and 3.30pm for £2 each.

The restaurant at Moors Valley is also joining in the festive spirit. Seasons Restaurant provides freshly cooked food using locally sourced ingredients and, with festive breakfasts, special Christmas meals and evening meals available there has never been a better time to treat the family. Book on 01425 470537.

With a wealth of facilities and events taking place throughout the year a visit to Moors Valley Country Park and Forest is always special. To help everyone enjoy all that the Park has to offer a choice of season tickets is now available, covering parking at Moors Valley for a whole year. With options ranging from just £25 it could be the perfect gift for the family who like to get out and about.

You can now book online for all events at Moors Valley. For more details go to www.moors-valley.co.uk or contact the Rangers on 01425 470721.

ENDS

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Editors’ Notes:

A selection of high resolution images can be downloaded from the press images gallery.

Christmas Events at Moors Valley 2013

• Christmas tree sales are from 10am – 4pm, 30 ^th November – 20^th December. Parking is FREE when a tree is purchased.
• Santa Special Trains run at the Moors Valley Railway run on 8^th and 15^th December at 11am, noon, 2pm and 3pm and cost £12.50 per person including FREE parking, gift and refreshments. Booking essential on 01425 471415.
• Christmas Market from 10 – 4pm from 30^th November – 15^th December, a special market featuring New Forest and Dorset craft producers
• Willow Workshop from 10 – 12.30pm on 11^th December. A chance for adults to make their own decorations. All materials and tools are provided. The cost of £16 includes FREE parking, light refreshments and a festive treat. Booking essential on 01425 470721.
• Deck the Halls from 1.30 – 4pm on 11^th December. Adults enjoy a festive walk around the lake to collect natural materials and back to the Visitor Centre to make a table decoration, pine cone swag or wreath to take home. The cost of £16 includes FREE parking, light refreshments and a festive treat. Booking essential on 01425 470721.
• Festive Fun Days for all ages from 11.30 – 4pm on 8^th &15^th December. Choose from a variety of Christmas crafts – crackers, table & tree decorations, party hats & badges. Items from £1. No need to book.
• Reindeer workshops from 10 – 11am & 11.30-12.30pm on 7^th December. A chance for those aged 6+ to make a wooden reindeer with guidance from an adult. Tools and wood provided. Cost £8 per child.
• Christmas Lantern workshop from 10 – 11.30am on 14^th December. Those aged 6+, with help from an adult, can get creative with glitter and tissue paper to create their very own festive lantern. Battery powered tealights costing £1 are available. Workshop cost £4.50 per child.
• Clay Christmas Decoration Workshops on 14^th December. From 1.30 – 2.30pm those aged 7 and under, with help from an adult, can design and create their own unique decorations. From 3 – 4pm those aged 8 and over get their chance. Cost £4 per child at both workshops.
• Christmas Health Walk for adults on 16^th December from 10 – 11am. Fancy dress is welcome for the fun festive walk. Cost £1 to include a mince pie and hot toddy.
• Christmas Health Ride for adults on 18^th December from 10 – 11am. Plenty of festive cheer and dressing up! Bring own bike. Cost £1 to include a mince pie and hot toddy.
• Stick Man Trail from 26^th October to 23^rd February. Trail cards are available at The Visitor Centre from 9.30am to 3.30pm for this self-led interactive family trail, £2 each.

For more information on any Christmas events at Moors Valley Country Park, near Ringwood, visit www.moors-valley.co.uk/events or contact the Rangers on 01425 470721.

For more detailed information contact:
Katie Davies at Moors Valley Country Park and Forest
Horton Road, Ashley Heath, Nr Ringwood BH24 2ET
Tel: 01425 470721 Email: ktdavies@christchurchandeastdorset.gov.uk